Beach Maintenance System

ABSTRACT

A system and method for maintaining and/or reclaiming sand or stone levels of a beach or shoreline for the purpose of mitigating erosion. The beach maintenance system preferably includes a series of support members, flexible webbing stretched between each support member, an anchoring system, and a discharge system. Primary support members preferably form a line generally orthogonal to the shoreline. Preferably, this array of support members spans from a point inland from the high tide line to a point further into the water than, the low tide boundary. In addition to support members running perpendicular to the shoreline, smaller arrays of support, members are preferably aligned generally parallel or tangent to the first array. Preferably, each of this group of arrays span the shoreline such that there is a series of webbing groups running parallel to the shoreline.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This non-provisional patent application claims the benefit of an earlier-filed provisional patent application. The provisional application was assigned serial number 62/016,771. It was filed on Jun. 25, 2014.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

MICROFICHE APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to the field of maintaining and preventing erosion of beaches and shorelines. More specifically, the invention comprises a series of support members with a flexible, porous barrier, such as webbing, running between each support member in order to accrete sand, pebbles, and other natural materials in transport due to wind or wave energy.

2. Description of the Related Art

Beaches and shorelines around the world are an integral part of human society. Beaches serve as natural attractions, foster tourism, and contribute to economies, as well as provide protection for critical ecosystems and valuable property. Local and greater economies, such as cities and even states, depend greatly on the presence of beaches, and the associated natural environments. These coastal environments are critical in protecting and maintaining coastal and aquatic systems, to support habitats and food chains, tourism, storm protection, and recreation.

Shorelines and beaches are greatly endangered due to several different factors. Coastal erosion, being an ever present threat, has increased due to natural influences such as rising sea levels and storm events, as well as, due to human interference such as seawall construction, beach sand mining, and overdevelopment.

Currently, approximately forty percent of the worlds' population lives within 100 kilometers of the coast. Therefore, it is critical that an innovative, natural solution be found to help mitigate the impacts of coastal erosion in a manner that is compatible and works in conjunction with the natural environment.

Previous methods of beach restoration or coastal protection, such as dredging, hauling in non-native sand, seawalls, or riprap were not effective over time, were costly, and sometimes caused extensive ecological damage.

Due to tidal and climatological influences, coastal regions are very dynamic. Technology such as dredging or hauling in non-native sand is costly and does little to mitigate the overall impact of erosion. The proposed system mitigates the impact of erosion by reclaiming native sand lost to local systems.

Therefore, what is needed is a system which allows for maintenance of beaches utilizing a sustainable, soft technology consisting of a non-permanent structure and webbing that is installed parallel and perpendicular to the shoreline, and works in conjunction with nature and its processes. The present invention achieves this objective, as well as others that are explained in the following description.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises a system and method for reclaiming and/or maintaining sand, stone, or natural materials, natural or indigenous to beaches or shorelines affected by erosion. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the beach maintenance system includes a series of support members, flexible webbing stretched between each support member, an anchoring system, and a discharge system. One arrangement of support members preferably forms a line generally orthogonal to the shoreline. Preferably, this array of support members spans from a point above the high tide line (inland from the high tide line) to a point beyond the low tide line (further into the water at various distances), sometimes extending to oceanic ridges, according to project design. Webbing stretches between each support member in order to capture or recapture natural materials in transport, which are suspended in the water or air, and are caused to fail out of suspension when, wind or wave load is reduced as a result of encountering the perpendicular line of support members and webbing, ultimately causing the natural/indigenous material to accrete in a native formation, pattern or slope ratio, in addition to support members running perpendicular to the shoreline, smaller arrays of support members are preferably aligned generally parallel or tangent to the shoreline (perpendicular to the first line of support members). These parallel arrays are attached to the orthogonal array at various locations along the first array. The smaller arrays are utilized to capture or recapture wind-blown or water-spray sand, which falls out of suspension when, encountering the smaller array, and accretes in a native formation or pattern.

Preferably, each of this group of arrays span the shoreline such that there is a series of webbing groups running parallel to the shoreline. Thus, the series of perpendicular arrays of support members and webbing facilitates an accretion, of sand, pebbles, and other natural materials in order to maintain the structure of the beach, preserve habitats, and mitigate erosion.

The system is modeled after nature, both in structural, design and processes. Specifically, the system is modeled after the function of mangrove roots, creating a support structure which naturally accretes sand and protects critical habitats. This system also emulates the natural pattern that coastal systems follow in accretion and erosion processes, it reclaims native sand transported and lost off-shore in storm events. Over a great length, of time the system eventually migrates and repopulates a beach. However, this system works with nature to speed recovery processes which occur following periods of disturbance. Because this system is not a permanent structure, and is flexible in nature, the “soft” groynes are extended off-shore to the nearest sand ridge before, during, or after periods of disturbance. This soft solution to coastal erosion works with natural processes occurring as a result of severe weather, and is deployed or removed to capitalize on natural conditions in order to recapture native sand sources, quickly rebuilding beaches, and protecting habitats and property. Additionally, this system works with and allows nature to build the beach in a natural formation, or slope ratio.

Given that coastal erosion is an ongoing, permanent influence on mankind and critical ecosystems, it is important that a sustainable solution be found.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view, showing the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an elevation view, showing the embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3A is a plan view, showing the accretion of natural materials caused by the installation of the present invention.

FIG. 3B is a perspective view, showing the accretion of natural materials caused by the installation of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an elevation view, showing the extended webbing panel.

FIG. 5 is an elevation view, showing an alternate form of the anchoring system of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view, showing a discharge system of the present invention which uses a reservoir.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view, showing a discharge system of the present invention which uses a pump.

FIG. 8 is a detailed view, showing initiation of the discharge system of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is an elevation view, showing the present invention as it is discharged from the accreted natural materials.

REFERENCE NUMERALS IN THE DRAWINGS

10 beach maintenance system

12 accretion array

14 primary accretion array

16 oceanic ridge

18 low tide boundary

20 high tide boundary

22 secondary accretion array

24 support member

26 support line

28 webbing

30 anchoring line

32 beach

34 buried end

36 natural particulate materials

38 extended array

40 extended support member

42 eyebolt

44 water spray

46 body of water

48 sand

50 reservoir

52 reservoir tubing

54 valve

56 pump

58 nozzle array

60 nozzle

62 new beach level

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a maintenance system to be used for the accretion of sand, small pebbles, and other natural materials on a beach. FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment. Beach maintenance system 10 comprises a series of accretion arrays 12. Although only three accretion arrays 12 are illustrated, the number of accretion arrays 12 can be much greater or be limited to a single array. The reader will note that the number of accretion arrays 12 is dependent upon the stretch of beach or shoreline which the user would like to maintain. Each accretion array 12 preferably includes primary accretion array 14. Preferably, primary accretion array 14 is generally perpendicular to the shoreline. The reader will note that a shoreline will generally not be perfectly linear or make a curve with a constant radius. Thus, the term “generally” should be construed as primary array 14 being perpendicular to the average curvature or line, or the general curvature of the shoreline at that point. As the reader can see from FIG. 1, oceanic ridge 16, low tide boundary 18, and high tide boundary 20 are not perfectly linear or curved. In this instance, shoreline can be assumed to be the low tide line or high tide line. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, primary array 14 extends from a point inland of high tide boundary 20 to a point between oceanic ridge 16 (in the case of maintenance of an oceanic beach or shoreline) and low tide boundary 18. Of course, the span of primary array 14 depends on the amount of beach to be maintained.

In addition to primary array 14, accretion array 12 preferably includes secondary accretion array 22. At least one secondary accretion array 22 is preferably attached to each primary accretion array 14. Secondary accretion array 22 is attached to primary array 14 whereby an angle between 0 and 180 degrees is formed. Preferably, secondary arrays 22 are perpendicular (90 degree angle) to primary array 14 and vary in length, as illustrated. The details of each array are discussed in further detail in the subsequent text.

FIG. 2 shows a side elevation view of a portion of primary array 14. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, primary array 14 includes support members 24, support line 26, webbing 28, and anchoring line 30. In order to erect beach maintenance system 10, support members 24 are driven into the beach 32. Preferably, support members 24 are forced into beach 32 deep enough such that accretion array 12 remains upright during use. Although support member 24 is shown as shaft with a circular cross-section, support member 24 can take many forms. For example, support member 24 may include multiple members in order to increase stability or support member 24 may include smaller members that extend radially from the buried end 34 of support member 24. Anchoring line 30 preferably rests on the surface of beach 32, as shown. Anchoring line 30 is preferably used in order to maintain the structure of webbing 28 proximate beach 32. In order to maintain this structure, anchoring line 30 is preferably attached to webbing 28. In the figure, anchoring line 30 is a chain with torus shaped links. Preferably, the chain is constructed from stainless or galvanized steel or a material that is similar in weight and resistance to corrosion. Those familiar with the art will note that although a steel chain is a cheap, easy, and convenient means to anchor webbing 28, many other techniques can be used for anchoring line 30. Some examples of alternatives for anchoring line 30 include metal or plastic tubing, heavy-duty wire, discrete weights attached to the lower portion of webbing 28 (proximate beach 32), and other similar techniques.

While anchoring line 30 maintains the structure of webbing 28 proximate beach 32, support line 26 and support members 24 preferably keep webbing 28 upright. Although webbing is shown in a horizontal configuration, the webbing can also be configured diagonally or lattice-like in design. Preferably, webbing 28 is attached to support line 26. In addition, support line 26 is preferably connected to the upper end (hot buried end) of support member 24. Those familiar with the art will note that there are multiple means which can be used to attach support line 26 to support member 24. One such technique is to mount eyebolts to the top end of each support member 24. Then, support line 26 is preferably inserted through each eyebolt which would keep support line 26, and consequently, webbing 28 upright. The eyebolts may be threaded into support member 24 or preferably manufactured integral to the support members.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, support line 26 is fabricated from a heavy duty, corrosive-resistant material. Preferably, webbing 28 is constructed from cotton, nylon, plastic, or another flexible, interwoven, porous material that is capable of withstanding a harsh, environment such as large, crashing waves of seawater. The porosity of webbing 28 can be optimized depending on the maintenance site and other research acquired by the installers of the system. In addition, support member 24 is preferably constructed from a strong, corrosion-resistant material such as galvanized steel, in fact, those familiar with the art will realize that it is important for most materials which are used in beach, maintenance system 10 to be able to withstand a certain level of corrosion and harshness in the environment. The reader will note that much of beach maintenance system 10 is submerged underwater during the accretion process. Thus, it is preferable to provide corrosive-resistant materials for the system, especially in the case of oceanic beaches which are exposed to seawater.

The reader will note that FIG. 2 shows both a fine porosity and a more course porosity of webbing 28. The material of webbing 28, as discussed in the preceding text, is preferably-capable of withstanding extended, time underwater, including seawater. The porosity of webbing 28 depends on the beach for which maintenance system 10 is installed. For example, if beach maintenance system 10 is installed on a rocky beach, a more course webbing 28 would be sufficient. Whereas, a beach with fine powder sand requires a very fine mesh for webbing 28.

FIG. 3A is a top view of beach maintenance system 10 which shows the accretion of natural materials caused by each accretion array 12. Although the type of natural materials accumulated by using accretion arrays 12 depends on the type of beach in which the system is implemented, in order to demonstrate the occurrence of the accumulation, small rocks, pebbles, smaller particles (sand), sticks, and larger rocks are shown. Accretion of natural particulate materials 36 occurs on either side of primary array 14 and on each side of secondary arrays 22. The reader will note, as stated above, that the structure and porosity of the webbing determine the composition of the natural particulate materials 36. In the figure, many types of natural particulate materials 36 are illustrated. The reader will also note that the length of secondary array 22 becomes larger as the primary array 14 stretches further inland, which is opposite FIG. 1. The purpose of this is to illustrate that the invention is not limited to any specific length progression for secondary array 22, in fact each array 22 can be of equal length. Preferably, as waves roll onto the beach and the tides change, webbing 28 (not visible from this perspective) allows natural particulate materials 36 to accrete as shown, thereby increasing the amount of sand, pebbles, or other natural materials present on the beach or shoreline. The reader will note that a portion of beach maintenance system 10 is preferably submerged under body of water 46 during the maintenance process.

FIG. 3B shows a perspective view of accretion array 12 installed on a primarily sandy beach as sand 48 is accreted. As illustrated, sand 48 has accumulated along accretion array 12. Preferably, webbing 28 allows sand 48 to accrete proximate primary array 14 and secondary array 22. The reader will note that sand 48 has accumulated to a level above the original level of beach 32 which is illustrated by a dashed line. Once sand 48 or natural particulate materials 36 have reached the desired level, the user can remove accretion array 12. The method of removing accretion array 12 is discussed in the subsequent text.

FIG. 4 shows an additional feature of the beach maintenance system 10. As illustrated, extended array 38 is attached to extended support member 40. Extended support member 40 is preferably attached to support member 24. The reader will note that there are multiple techniques in which one can attach extended support member 40 to support member 24—such as threaded pipes, a telescopic tube and pin system, or any other attachment means known in the art for two tubes. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, extended array 38 includes support line 26 and webbing 28, which are utilized in the same fashion as those components on primary array 14. Preferably, extended array 38 is used to catch any sea spray which may have sand particles or other natural particulate materials 36 that are traveling in the air, thereby increasing the effectiveness of the present inventive system by capturing particles in the air and driven by sea spray.

In addition to extended array 38, FIG. 4 shows that secondary array 22 is affixed to the ground in the same manner as primary array 14—using support members 24 driven into the beach 32. Also, eyebolt 42 is shown (without support line 26) in order to demonstrate one possible embodiment for fastening support line 26 to support member 24. In this embodiment, support line 26 (not shown in this view) runs through eyebolt 42. As those familiar with the art will realize, eyebolt 42 allows 360 degrees of rotation. Thus, support line 26 can flex laterally if necessary. This is helpful if a large accumulation of sand 48 or natural materials 36 is pressing against webbing 28 in a single direction, if the connection between support member 24 and support line 26 were rigid, this may cause support member to fall. However, the rotation provided by eyebolt 42 is helpful in preventing this.

FIG. 5 shows another anchoring system of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, anchoring line 30 is tubing which is used both to anchor the system and easily remove it. The tubing (tube) can be flexible or rigid, but it is preferably flexible. The tubing is preferably made of flexible, but moderately stiff tubing that can handle relatively high pressures if necessary. Anchoring line 30 is installed such that it rests upon beach 32 or seafloor. However, upon accretion of natural particulate materials 36 upon and surrounding accretion array 12, support member 24, the lower section of webbing 28, and anchoring line 30 become buried with natural particulate materials 36. This makes the removal of accretion array 12 increasingly difficult as it accumulates more sand and other natural materials.

Once the user is satisfied with the level of accumulated sand and natural materials, beach maintenance system 10 is ready to be removed. In order to remove accretion array 12 more easily, anchoring line 30 is tilled, with pressurized water. Filling anchoring line 30, and in this case the discharge line, with pressurized water can be achieved in several ways. FIG. 6 shows one method of filling anchoring line 30 with water in order to discharge beach maintenance system 10. In this embodiment, reservoir 50 is tilled with water. The user then connects reservoir tubing 52 to anchoring line 30. Once reservoir tubing 52 is connected to anchoring line 30, the system is ready for discharge. Preferably, reservoir 50 includes valve 54 which can be opened in order to fill anchoring line 30 with water. Those familiar with the art will note that reservoir 50 can take many forms. Although reservoir 50 is shown as a large stationary tank, reservoir 50 can be tank located on a truck, a group of smaller tanks, a water source provided by a water tap near the beach, or any other available source of water.

FIG. 7 shows a preferred embodiment of beach maintenance system 10. Beach maintenance system 10 preferably includes pump 56. In this embodiment, water is pumped into anchoring line 30 from body of water 46 using pump 56. This allows the user to utilize the vast amount of wafer already located at the location of maintenance system 10 as opposed to bring water from another location. Pump 56 is preferably a submersible pump. As pump 56 forces water into anchoring line 30, water fills and pressurizes anchoring line 30. As illustrated, nozzle arrays 58 are preferably located along anchoring line 30. Preferably, nozzle 60 is a normally closed typed nozzle which is activated (opened) by a certain pressure threshold. This would allow water pressure to build within anchoring line 30 as pump 56 forces water into line 30. The advantage to using a nozzle 60 with a pressure threshold is that water is present throughout anchoring line 30. Thus, once the correct pressure is reached, water will spray from each nozzle array 58. Otherwise, water would spray from the arrays 58 which are closest to pump 56.

FIG. 8 shows a detailed view of the discharging process once anchoring line 30 has reached a sufficient pressure. The reader will note that as the discharge of accretion array 12 is initiated, the level of beach 32 is such that anchoring line and the lower portion of webbing 28 are buried. As discussed in the preceding text, water may be pumped into anchoring line 30 or water can flow from a reservoir into anchoring line 30. With either method, water spray 44 exits nozzle 60. This liquefies the sand or rocks surrounding anchoring line 30 and support member 24. As illustrated in FIG. 9, this allows the user to easily remove accretion array 12. By liquefying the sand, rocks, and other natural materials the support members 24 are easily pulled upward out of beach 32. The reader will note that the new level of beach 62 is above the original level of beach 32, Thus, beach maintenance system 10 has limited erosion and increased the sand, rocks and other natural materials located on the beach.

The preceding description contains significant detail regarding the novel aspects of the present invention. It should not be construed, however, as limiting the scope of the invention but rather as providing illustrations of the preferred embodiments of the invention. Thus, the scope of the invention should be fixed by the following claims, rather than by examples given. 

Having described our invention, we claim:
 1. A beach maintenance system for mitigating erosion on a beach which includes an oceanic ridge, a shoreline, a low tide boundary, and a high tide boundary, comprising: a. at least one primary accretion array, including, i. at least a first support member and a second support member, each having a first end and a second end, ii. a support line attached to said first end of said support members, iii. an anchoring line proximate said second end of said support members, iv. wherein said support line spans from said first support member to said second support member and from said second support, member to any additional support members, v. webbing connecting said support line to said anchoring line, vi. wherein said anchoring line and said support line maintain said, webbing in a generally planar alignment, vii. wherein said second ends of said support members are driven into said beach; b. wherein said at least one primary accretion array is generally perpendicular to said shoreline; c. at least one secondary accretion array attached to said at least one primary accretion array, including, i. at least one secondary support member having a first end and a second end, ii. a secondary support line attached to said first end of said at least one secondary support member, iii. a secondary anchoring line proximate said second end of said secondary support member, and iv. webbing connecting said secondary support line to said secondary anchoring line.
 2. The beach maintenance system of claim 1, wherein said secondary array forms an angle greater than 0 degrees and less than 180 degrees with said primary accretion array.
 3. The beach maintenance system of claim 1, further comprising at least one extended accretion array, including: a. an extended support member having a first end and a second end, b. wherein said first end of said extended support member is attached to said first end of said support member of said primary array and extending upwards therefrom, c. an extended support line, d. wherein said extended support line is attached to said second end of said extended support member, and e. webbing attached to said extended support line.
 4. The beach maintenance system of claim 1, wherein said support line is attached to said support members by inserting said support line through a series of eyebolts mounted to said top end of said support members.
 5. The beach maintenance system of claim 1, wherein said anchoring line is steel.
 6. The beach maintenance system of claim 1, wherein said anchoring line is comprised of tubing.
 7. The beach maintenance system of claim 6, wherein said anchoring line is fluidly attached to a reservoir.
 8. The beach maintenance system of claim 7, wherein said reservoir is capable of releasing an amount of water to fill said anchoring line.
 9. The beach maintenance system of claim 6, wherein said anchoring line is fluidly attached to a pump.
 10. The beach maintenance system of claim 9, wherein said pump is capable of pumping an amount of water into said anchoring line.
 11. A beach maintenance system for mitigating erosion on a beach which includes an oceanic ridge, a shoreline, a low tide boundary, and a high tide boundary, comprising: a. at least one primary accretion array, including, i. at least a first support member and a second support member, each having a first end and a second end, ii. a support line attached to said first end of said support members, iii. an anchoring line proximate said second end of said support members, iv. wherein said support line spans from said first support member to said second support member and from said second support member to any additional support members, v. webbing connecting said support line to said anchoring line, vi. wherein said anchoring line and said support line maintain said webbing in a generally planar alignment, vii. wherein said second ends of said support members are secured to said beach. b. wherein said at least one primary accretion array is generally perpendicular to said shoreline; c. at least one secondary accretion array attached to said at least one primary accretion array, including, i. at least one secondary support member having a first end and a second end, ii. a secondary support line attached to said first end of said at least one secondary support member, iii. a secondary anchoring line proximate said second end of said secondary support member, iv. webbing connecting said secondary support line to said secondary anchoring line, d. wherein said secondary array forms an angle greater than 0 degrees and less than 180 degrees with said primary accretion array; e. at least one extended accretion array, including, i. an extended support member having a first end and a second end, ii. wherein said first end of said extended support member is attached to said first end of said support member of said primary array and extending upwards therefrom. iii. an extended support line, iv. wherein said extended support line is attached to said second end of said extended support member, and v. webbing attached to said extended support line.
 12. The beach maintenance system of claim 11, wherein said support line is attached to said support members by inserting said support line through a series of eyebolts mounted to said top end of said support members.
 13. The beach maintenance system of claim 11, wherein said anchoring line is steel.
 14. The beach maintenance system of claim 11, wherein said anchoring line is comprised of tubing.
 15. The beach maintenance system of claim 14, wherein said anchoring line is fluidly attached to a reservoir.
 16. The beach maintenance system of claim 15, wherein said reservoir includes a valve capable of releasing an amount of water to fill said anchoring line.
 17. The beach maintenance system of claim 14, wherein said anchoring line is fluidly attached to a pump.
 18. The beach maintenance system of claim 17, wherein said pump is capable of pumping an amount of water into said anchoring line. 